Phil Taylor, widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time, has left an indelible mark on the sport with an unrivaled legacy that spans over three decades. Known as “The Power,” Taylor’s achievements are unparalleled, making him a sporting icon, particularly in the world of darts. Let’s dive into his illustrious career, personal life, controversies, and the legacy that continues to shape the sport.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Philip Douglas Taylor was born on August 13, 1960, in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, a working-class town in England. Growing up in a modest family, Taylor left school at 16 to work various jobs, including making ceramic toilet roll handles. Despite his humble beginnings, his life would take a dramatic turn when he moved near darts legend Eric Bristow in the late 1980s. Bristow, who became Taylor’s mentor, loaned him £10,000 to help kickstart his professional darts career.

Taylor’s career truly began in earnest in 1990 when he claimed his first World Championship title, marking the start of an unprecedented journey. Under Bristow’s guidance, Taylor honed his craft and swiftly established himself as a dominant figure in darts.

Dominance in the World of Darts

Over the next three decades, Taylor became the undisputed king of darts. He won an astonishing 16 World Championships, eight of them consecutively from 1995 to 2002—a record that remains unbeaten. Throughout his career, Taylor broke numerous records, including winning 85 major titles and hitting 11 televised nine-dart finishes, another world record.

Taylor’s dominance extended beyond just his technical prowess. His fierce rivalries with players like Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen added excitement and tension to the sport, with fans eagerly anticipating each matchup. Taylor was also known for his sharp focus and competitiveness, which helped him maintain his position at the top for years​.

Retirement and Legacy

In 2018, Taylor retired from professional darts after losing in the World Championship final to Rob Cross, a passing of the torch moment in the sport. Even in retirement, Taylor’s influence on darts remains strong. He continues to play in exhibition matches and provides commentary on major tournaments, contributing to the growth of the sport he helped revolutionize.

His legacy is further cemented by his contributions to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), where he was instrumental in elevating the sport’s profile. Taylor’s impact has inspired a new generation of players and fans, and his records still stand as a benchmark for excellence in the game​.

Personal Life and Controversies

There have been many highs and lows in Taylor’s personal life.  He was married to Yvonne Taylor for nearly 30 years before their divorce in 2016. The couple has four children: Lisa, Chris, Kelly, and Natalie Taylor. Taylor’s personal life became the subject of public scrutiny during his divorce, which reportedly cost him five houses and a significant financial settlement. Despite this, he has remained active, spending more time with his grandchildren and enjoying a more private life away from the spotlight​.

In 1999, Taylor faced controversy when he was fined £2,000 for an alleged sexual assault, an incident that brought negative media attention. Taylor denied the accusations, but the incident affected his public image. However, his performance on the darts stage remained unaffected, as he continued to dominate the sport​.

Phil Taylor’s Rivalries: Van Barneveld and Van Gerwen

Two of the most iconic rivalries in Taylor’s career were with Dutch players Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen. The rivalry with Van Barneveld began when the two competed in some of the most thrilling matches in the history of darts, including the 2007 World Championship final, which Taylor lost in a sudden-death leg. Van Barneveld was one of the few players who could consistently challenge Taylor, and their clashes became legendary among darts fans.

Michael van Gerwen, a younger player, also became one of Taylor’s fiercest rivals. Van Gerwen, who eventually surpassed some of Taylor’s records, brought a new level of intensity to the sport. Their matches were always highly anticipated, with Van Gerwen representing the future of darts and Taylor the seasoned champion​.

Awards and Honors

Phil Taylor’s accolades are numerous. Beyond his 16 World Championships and 85 major titles, Taylor has received numerous awards throughout his career. He was inducted into the PDC Hall of Fame in 2011 and has been named PDC Player of the Year six times. In 2010, Taylor was runner-up for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year, making him the only darts player to ever finish in the top two of this prestigious award​.

Taylor’s contributions to darts were further recognized in his hometown of Stoke-on-Trent, where he was inducted into the local Sporting Hall of Fame. His influence on the game remains undeniable, as he continues to be regarded as the greatest darts player in history.

Life After Darts

Since his retirement, Taylor has focused on spending more time with his family and occasionally plays in seniors’ events. In 2022, he participated in the inaugural World Seniors Darts Championship, where he lost to Kevin Painter in the quarter-finals. Even in retirement, Taylor’s competitive spirit remains evident, and his legacy continues to inspire players and fans around the world.

Phil Taylor’s Net Worth and Business Ventures

Throughout his career, Taylor accumulated significant wealth through tournament winnings and sponsorship deals. As of 2024, his estimated net worth stands at $10 million. Taylor has also authored books, including his autobiography “The Power My Autobiography,” and remains a sought-after figure for endorsements and public appearances​.

FAQs

Who is Phil “The Power” Taylor?

Phil Taylor is widely regarded as one of the greatest darts players in history. Born on August 13, 1960, in Stoke-on-Trent, England, Taylor revolutionized the sport with his precision, consistency, and winning mentality. Over his illustrious career, he won a record 16 World Championships, establishing himself as an iconic figure in darts.

 Is Phil Taylor the greatest darts player of all time?

Many consider Phil Taylor to be the greatest darts player of all time, based on his unprecedented success and influence on the sport. His 16 World Championships and 85 major titles are unmatched. However, other top players like Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld have also made significant contributions to the game, sparking debates about the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) status.

How much is Phil Taylor worth?

As of 2024, Phil Taylor’s net worth is estimated to be around £10 million ($13 million). His earnings come from prize money, endorsements, exhibitions, and various business ventures. His dominance in darts also made him a highly marketable figure.

In Summary

Phil Taylor’s impact on darts is immeasurable. He not only redefined excellence within the sport but also helped bring darts into the mainstream, where it continues to thrive today. His records, achievements, and the sheer dominance he displayed over his career have set a standard that will be difficult for future generations to surpass. While he may have stepped away from the professional circuit, Phil “The Power” Taylor’s legacy remains as strong as ever. His name is synonymous with darts, and his contributions will continue to shape the sport for years to come.

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